The Practice MK is a leading provider of counselling and therapy for clients with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Full diagnostic assessment for PTSD and courses of therapy to help support clients manage their condition

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events.

The type of events that can cause PTSD include:

Serious road accidents

Violent personal assaults, such as sexual assault, mugging or robbery

Prolonged sexual abuse, violence or severe neglect

Witnessing violent deaths

Military combat

Being held hostage

Terrorist attacks

Natural disasters, such as severe floods, earthquakes or tsunamis

PTSD can develop immediately after someone experiences a disturbing event or it can occur weeks, months or even years later.

PTSD is estimated to affect about 1 in every 3 people who have a traumatic experience, but it's not clear exactly why some people develop the condition and others don't.

Counselling & therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD)

Assessment

The first stage is an assessment with one of our Psychologists to determine the presence or not of PTSD or Anxiety and determine its severity. A full diagnostic report will be sent to you by email within 7 days of your assessment.

Our Psychologists are used as expert witnesses in civil and criminal cases and can be called upon to give evidence of their assessments.

Treatment

Following your assessment we will may invite you to attend a course of either:

Trauma focussed CBT

EMDR Therapy

If we believe that a drug prescription coupled with a psychological intervention is necessary we will refer you to your GP.

Signs & Symptoms

The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can have a significant impact on your day-to-day life.

Symptoms can develop during the first month after a traumatic event. However, in a minority of cases, there may be a delay of months or even years before symptoms start to appear.

Some people with PTSD experience long periods when their symptoms are less noticeable, followed by periods where they worsen. Other people have severe symptoms that are constant.

The specific symptoms of PTSD can vary widely between individuals, but they generally fall into the categories described below.

Re-experiencing

Re-experiencing is the most typical symptom of PTSD. This is when a person involuntarily and vividly re-lives the traumatic event in the form of flashbacks, nightmares or repetitive and distressing images or sensations.

Avoidance and emotional numbing

Trying to avoid being reminded of the traumatic event is another key symptom of PTSD. This usually means avoiding certain people or places that remind you of the trauma, or avoiding talking to anyone about your experience.

Hyperarousal (feeling 'on edge')

Someone with PTSD may be very anxious and find it difficult to relax. They may be constantly aware of threats and easily startled. This state of mind is known as hyperarousal.

Other problems

Many people with PTSD also have a number of other problems, including: